How to Calculate Gravel Volume and Weight

Multiply project Length by Width by Depth (converted to feet by dividing by 12) to derive overall cubic feet. Divide cubic feet by 27 to obtain total cubic yards. On average, standard clean landscape gravel weighs approximately 1.4 tons per cubic yard, though crushed stone and river rock can run slightly heavier due to denser packing.

Choosing the Right Depth for Your Project

Depth requirements vary significantly by use case. A decorative garden path only needs about 2 inches of gravel, while a walkway that sees regular foot traffic benefits from 3 to 4 inches for stability. Driveways and areas that will support vehicle weight typically require 4 to 6 inches, often installed in two compacted layers over a geotextile fabric base to prevent the stone from sinking into the soil below.

3 Common Gravel Ordering Mistakes

• Skipping the Base Layer: Pouring gravel directly onto bare soil without a compacted sub-base or landscape fabric leads to sinking, rutting, and weeds pushing through within a season.
• Ignoring Compaction Loss: Loose gravel settles by roughly 10-15% once compacted. Ordering the bare minimum often leaves you short after the first rain or foot traffic packs it down.
• Mixing Gravel Types: Angular crushed gravel locks together for stable paths and driveways, while smooth pea gravel shifts underfoot. Using the wrong type for the application causes ongoing maintenance headaches.